Episode 45 | Anika Nilles
If you have internet and social media, you know who Anika Nilles is. An artist who started professionally late in life and yet in a small time frame has captured a wide audience all across the globe with her high level production quality drum videos, original compositions, tireless work ethic and touring. It was an absolute pleasure and honour to feature her on this podcast and the results of our conversation are terrific.
Some of the particulars about her that I find fascinating is how widely recognized she is in this industry. She, along with a handful of others, discovered the power of social media and producing high quality content distributed through YouTube before it became a saturated platform and I believe this is a major contributing factor to her success. I certainly don’t want to discount her amazing abilities, attention to detail and innovation, but had she started last week I cannot assume she would have had the same level of fortune in her career. It is this topic that I find most compelling about her.
We discuss this at length as well as her transition from a regular working life to full time professional drummer. The incredible advice and council that she received when she was 21 years old from the renowned drummer Benny Greb. It all comes together to shape this incredible journey she has had and to hear it first hand is great listening.
Some other points that we talk about are whether she finds it hard to keep her performance levels high when she is travelling so often in different countries. I recall a time when I saw her on Drumeo and she had talked about having jet lag and she seemed very tired. You have to wonder, how do you keep your performances at a high level when you are experiencing so much exhaustion?
Another subject is how she feels about her fanfare. What is it like to be recognized and admired across the globe? Anika, for the record, is a genuinely humble person who is incredibly friendly. She was one of the nicest people I have ever had on the show and she was gracious towards the invitation to be on the podcast in the first place. She talks about how she views the fans who appreciate her and that she feels so appreciated that she can only give that back to her fans. Her attitude towards life seems to be consisting of hard work, appreciation for herself and others and to focus on what brings joy and value to her life.
We also had some great questions come in from fans. Here is what the fans wanted to say….
- Jamie from Greenfield drums: What was your dad’s background as a drummer and how was he an influence to you early on?
- @Ethangarofalo: Why do you utilize quintuplets so often in your music?
- @Travisonthedrums: What is your song writing process?
- @Man_francisco - Is it possible for music to be technical and still have as much heart as a Motown classic like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough?”
- Mike at Predator Percussion - What was your inspiration in creating your own album and do you write the parts for the other instruments?
- @Davidszieber - This fan was actually at your Expo in Hungary and he wants to know how you tune your drums.
- Jared Falk wanted me to ask Anika about her ping pong skills. (The response to this is priceless!)
All in all, this interview was a dream of mine when I started the podcast and I am a huge fan. I feel this interview holds a great story and advice within and I hope listeners feel like they got to know her as a little bit better because of it. Enjoy DrumFam!!!
Song performance by Anika Nilles - Those Hills
Watch the YouTube performance **HERE**
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